If you’re just starting with photography or working on a tight budget, you don’t necessarily need to spend a small fortune to get quality camera lenses. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an amateur enthusiast, navigating the myriad of options while sticking to a budget is crucial. Fortunately, various cheap camera lenses are available that offer impressive performance and versatility without breaking the bank. From wide-angle lenses for capturing breathtaking landscapes to telephoto lenses ideal for wildlife photography, there’s a budget-friendly option for every photographic need.
In this article, we’ll explore which camera lenses are cheap in the market, highlighting their features, performance, and value for money. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to expand your lens collection or a professional seeking cost-effective solutions, this guide will help you make informed decisions while maximizing your photography potential without emptying your wallet.
Cheap Camera Lenses:
There are some very affordable lens options available from many manufacturers that can take great photos. We’ll explore which camera lenses are cheap across various popular lens types.
1. Prime Lenses
Prime lenses, also known as fixed focal length lenses, are more affordable than zoom lenses as they only operate at a single focal length and don’t have the additional mechanics needed for zooming. Here are a few excellent prime lens options that won’t burn a hole in your wallet:
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens – Known as the “nifty fifty”, this prime lens is an extremely popular and affordable option for Canon shooters. For under $150, it gives you sharp, high-quality images and an extremely fast aperture of f/1.8 for beautiful subject isolation and blurred backgrounds.
- Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens – Nikon shooters have an equally affordable option with this 50mm f/1.8 prime lens. At around $150, it performs very well in sharpness wide open at f/1.8. The autofocus is also extremely fast and quiet for capturing spur-of-the-moment moments.
- Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS Lens – Sony E-mount shooters looking for an inexpensive prime lens should consider this 50mm option. In addition to the wide f/1.8 aperture, it also has optical image stabilization to help combat camera shake. You can find it new for around $250.
- Pentax 50mm f/1.7 Lens – Pentax shooters have a legacy 50mm prime that continues to impress for its affordability at only around $125. It delivers sharp results even when shot wide open at f/1.7.
2. Zoom Lenses
Zoom lenses combine convenience with versatility by providing multiple focal lengths in a single lens. Photographers can change perspectives quickly through a zoom ring without switching lenses, which is ideal for spontaneous moments and situations where carrying multiple lenses is impractical. Here are some competent, inexpensive zoom lens options:
- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens – A versatile standard zoom range for APS-C cameras, this Sigma lens provides a sharp f/2.8 constant maximum aperture throughout the zoom. Image stabilization also helps offset camera shake. It’s quite a steal for only around $450.
- Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Lens – If you want a single lens, walkaround solution for travelling light, this Tamron superzoom provides an enormous 15x zoom range covering wide-angle to telephoto. Image quality holds up well even at the long end, and vibration compensation aids low-light shooting. Around $450 as well.
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens – The kit lens that comes with many Canon DSLR bodies, this zoom may not be flashy, but it’s cheap, light, and surprisingly sharp. Image stabilization helps, and the stepping motor AF is quiet. It’s hard to beat for around $100.
- Nikon AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens – Nikon’s equivalent kit zoom is also very affordable at $150-200. While not as fast, it focuses nearly silently and has vibration reduction for steady shots. Sharpness is also better than many expect from such an inexpensive lens.
- Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Lens – For Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras, this retractable kit lens gives you flexibility on a budget and features optical stabilization too. Expect sharp results for around $250 retail.
3. Macro Lenses
Macro lenses magnify small subjects, allowing photographers to capture intricate close-up photos of flowers, insects, food, and other tiny objects with amazing clarity and detail. They feature long focal lengths optimized for shots taken just inches from the subject.
- Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens – This Canon macro lens opens to a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture yet only costs $400. It focuses as close as 1:1 life-size and takes fantastic close-up photos of bugs, flowers, food, and more with exquisite clarity.
- Nikon 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Micro Lens – Nikon’s 60mm macro lens is a stellar performer for around the same $400 price point as the Canon. Its quiet autofocus and bright f/2.8 maximum aperture make it a pleasure to use.
- Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens – Although not the least expensive at $550-600, Sigma’s 105mm macro is superb optically, with life-size 1:1 magnification and buttery smooth autofocus. It’s the best bang for your buck if you can stretch the budget a bit higher.
4. Portrait Lenses
Portrait lenses use a moderate telephoto focal length, typically around 85mm, to compress the facial features and background for a natural perspective that flatters the subject. They allow photographers to capture expressive headshots and upper body shots with pleasing optics and a softened aesthetic.
- Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens – This 85mm prime gives Nikon shooters a beautiful background blur for separating subjects from scenes at its fast f/1.8 maximum aperture. Sharp throughout the frame even wide open, it’s a portraitist’s dream lens for under $500.
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens – Nearly identical performance-wise to the Nikon at around the same price of $450, this 85mm prime renders gorgeous bokeh and clear facial details for gorgeous headshots.
- Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art Lens – While intended for macro work too, this 70mm lens from Sigma creates exquisite portraits with lush subject separation even past f/2.8. A real “bang-for-the-buck” choice when the sale is priced under $400.
- Pentax SMC FA 50mm f/1.4 Lens – For Pentax shooters, this tried-and-true 50mm prime produces beautiful headshots with subject isolation at an ultra-affordable $250 price point. A legacy lens that still holds its own.
5. Wide Angle Lenses
Wide-angle lenses have short focal lengths that capture a very wide field of view, allowing more of the surrounding area to be photographed. They are ideal for interior shots, large group photos, and expansive landscape scenes to see the bigger picture.
- Nikon 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR Lens – Ideal for landscape, architecture, or interior shots, this affordable Nikon wide zoom gives an expansive view while keeping costs down to only $400 with VR stabilization. Sharpness is excellent too.
- Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens – Canon crop sensor shooters have an optically stabilized wide zoom of their own for a mere $300 that focuses quickly and quietly. It’s compact too.
- Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM Lens – For a faster maximum aperture of f/3.5 throughout the 10-20mm zoom range, Sigma’s option provides better performance in low light for around $450. Sharp throughout the frame as well.
- Rokinon 12mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens – Want an ultra-wide lens? This manual focus fisheye produces dramatic 1080-degree panoramas for under $300, making it quite the budget party.
6. Telephoto Lenses:
Telephoto lenses compress the perspective in photos, allowing you to capture subjects from far away as if they are much closer. They utilize a longer focal length than normal lenses to zoom in on distant subjects with clarity and detail. Here are some affordable telephoto lens options to consider:
- Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens – Around $150, this is a decent entry-level telephoto zoom lens that works well for basic telephoto shooting on a budget.
- Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens – Around $250, this Nikon lens offers vibration reduction and a versatile zoom range for a reasonable price.
- Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di III RXD Lens – $249, This Tamron is a popular third-party option that offers good image quality and fast autofocus for the money.
- Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Lens – Around $200 used, this older Sigma telephoto lens can often be found for a bargain and produces sharp images.
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens – $799, For a very affordable super telephoto zoom, this Sigma lens covers an amazing zoom range great for wildlife and sports.
- Vivitar 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Digital Zoom Lens – Around $80, This basic Vivitar lens is dirt cheap but won’t match higher-end options in image quality or performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion of which camera lenses are cheap, there are many excellent options for affordable camera lenses that won’t compromise on quality or performance. Whether you’re looking for prime lenses, zooms, macros, portraits, or ultra-wide, it’s possible to build out a versatile lens collection without spending thousands of dollars. The key is understanding your needs and doing some research on lenses that provide good value. Try renting lenses first if possible before buying too. Remember that lens quality depends more on glass formulation and element precision over added features or prestigious brand names. With patience and an open mind, an impressive set of sharp, well-built optics can be had for reasonable prices. So don’t despair if funds are limited – with the right inexpensive lenses, you can create stunning images after exploring which camera lenses are cheap.
